The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-02-04
A LOUISIANA BALL.
HOW THE CREOLES OF THE At
TAkAPUS PRAIRIE ENJOY LIFE.


TAkAPUs PRAIRIE ENJOY LIFE.
Frolic Mt Lono House on tho Prairie.
A Lively Sccnc-"Gombo" and Chlvalry.
The Old PcddIer.
Across tho rolling Attakapus prairie a
small cavalcado trotted, apparently in no
hurry to reach its destination Tho natural
gait Of tho lirtlc Creole ponies was IN easy
"lope" or canter; therefore it was that the
irregular, rough trot Of tho animals evi-
denced q restraining pull at tho heavy bits,
There were five in the party, all excellent
horsemen and all dressed in tho coarse but
durable homespun cottonade Of that section
Of Louisiana. They seemed to bo enjoying
themselves, for their hearty laughter and
loud repartcc, in French, all talking at ono
time, bespoke freedom from caro- and also
source of amusement they possessed in
common.
In the distance, just peeping above ono Of
the swclls in tho prairie, tho slender spiro Of
the little church Of st. Pierre broke tho limo
of tho horizon, and in its direction the
party were riding. Out upon these broad
otIcbCLcS VI u IlUSO UIcclcSS COulluTy
arc very deceptive, and it was about two
hours after the steeple was first seen that
the riders refined up in tho little town. Tho
settlement did not comprise moro than
twenty-five or thirty houses, the most con-
spicuous of which were the church referred
to and two stores.
The visitors alighted at ono of the stores,
and were cordially greeted by tho crowd
there assembled. They seemed to know
everybody and everybody was on terms Of
intimacy with them, for they were adj
dressed by their Christian names and slapped
affectionately on the back.
The lately arrived horsemen were taken
in charge by friends, and each was escorted
off to dinner in some of tho comfortable
dwellings, from the chimneys of which the
curling smoke gave sign of the good cheer
within.
General hospitality wore away the after
noon, and as the evening came slowly over
the prairie from the far east, where it was
already dark, a number of riding parties
passed down the road, bound for some place
beyond. Soon there were twenty five or
thirty on their way, and with them the visit
ors Dressed in all the brillancy of highly
colored calicoes, dark eyed de,noiselles gal
loped along as if grown to their side saddles,
and their merry laughter mado the somber
quiet of the prairie musical as they rode.
An hours ride brought tho party to their
destination. The house stood alone on thu
prairie, sheltered by two or three live oaks
Four rooms, with broad gallery in front,
hallway through the middle and large
dining room, taking up the ground plan of
the isolated dwelling. A bright bonfire was
burning in front and the windows glistened |
like squarely cut rubies, with the genial il
Illumination inside.
A large number of men and women, at |
tired in quite gay toilets, welcomed the
newly arrived, and for time nothing could
be heard but the warm salutations of friends.
The large dining room in the rear was the
main object Of interest, and after ribbons
had been arranged, back hair adjusted and
skirts smoothed down all tho ladies hurried
to its precincts. The floor was cleared of all
furniture, and around the walls long benches
OF boards had been put up, that as many as
possible might be accommodated with seats.
Beside the windows and doors smoking can
dies, inserted in auger holes bored in small
pieces of wood, gave q bright light that
afforded ono an opportunity of a more care
full inspection of the guests.
AL ages were represented, but the young
were IL the majority. Married DANES with
infants in arms moved about as full of the
enjoyment of the hour as the bellies decked
out in ribbons and perfumed with cinnamon
At about $50 o'clock the shrill
squeak of violin sounded from one corner
Of the ballroom and was followed by the ,
deep diapason of an accordion.
The floor was cleared and the young gal
lants selected their partners. The full faced
old gentleman with silver spectacles whis- I
pered to his neighbor with the accordion, |
Sun! Deux! Trois!'' and off they started
sometimes the accordion ahead, ond then !
the violin, in the inspiriting movement Of an !,
old fashioned maz6urka. The benches :
around tho room were now crowded with r
the feminine portion of tho guests, the male c
admirers being compelled to stand in the {
loorways. from whence a galaxy Of eyes
trunk in the animated scene +
After each dance there was promenade,
which afforded anxious mothers an oppor-
unity Of seeking their infants where they I
vere all nestled together on one bed in a
ear chamber, I'd there to quiet lusty cries
Induced by hunger by hurried administra-
ion Of natures best infantile food. Dance 4
ollowed dance. Then tho quadrille was q
and three sets took tho floor. q
The old violinist was now in his clement.
Beating time with the toe of q very heavy
'oot, he made it impossible for the dancers
o forget the measure, and in @ musical lit = :.
le voice he instructed the more modest in :
he figures with "Avant deux? Balancez!
Chassez! Croisez! Chaine des dames!' !
In the midst Of the Gladys chain" a stem q
orian voice from the front room called out q
'Gombo." The music lost its influence and {
here was rush for the hall. Men sought .
heir favorites this way and that, anxious }
naidens kept their eyes on the floor hoping
or the coming Of certain gallants. There
vas some crowding around the entrance to
he improvised refreshment room from
which came the savory odor of a rich gombo
md strong coffee. Unlike the custom at
'alls Within the jurisdiction Of a more cere-
nonious social code the gallants passed their
air ones alone by the doorkeeper into the
umptuous feast and then adjourned to the
ront gallery to smoke q cigarette.
As the ladies completed their hurried re-
,ast and approached the door to make all
Kit, the doorkeeper with lusty voice shouted
he namo of the demoiselles' escort, "Jean